National Horseracing Collegehttps://www.thenhc.co.uk
Turn your passion into an exciting careerThu, 05 Sep 2019 12:33:02 +0000en-US
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3232Tenth Anniversary of Buckrose Court Firehttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/tenth-anniversary-of-buckrose-court-fire/
Thu, 05 Sep 2019 12:28:46 +0000https://www.thenhc.co.uk/?p=7544Survivors, family, friends and racing colleagues’ will gather for reflection and prayer at the memorial bench at the Derwent Arms in Norton, North Yorkshire at 2pm on Sunday (08 September) to mark the tenth anniversary of the deaths of teenagers Jan Wilson and Jamie Kyne, two of the brightest stars of the racing industry, who lost their lives on 05 ...

]]>Survivors, family, friends and racing
colleagues’ will gather for reflection and prayer at the memorial bench at the
Derwent Arms in Norton, North Yorkshire at 2pm on Sunday (08 September) to mark
the tenth anniversary of the deaths of teenagers Jan Wilson and Jamie Kyne, two
of the brightest stars of the racing industry, who lost their lives on 05 September
2009 in a drink-fuelled revenge house fire.

Among those attending the service will be Paul
Lodge who supported the survivors and their families in his capacity as Racing
Welfare Officer and Father Tim Bywater, the parish priest at the Catholic Church in
Malton.

Jan and Jamie both held Apprentice Jockey licences with Jan having
attended the National Horseracing College for specialist tuition.

Ten years on, it is with sadness –
but with warm memories – that we send our deepest condolences to the families
and loved ones of Jan and Jamie. The pain that they have had to endure is
unimaginable and our thoughts are with them all.

Jan and Jamie’s unwavering ambition to succeed as jockeys, their love of the sport of horseracing, their devotion to the horses in their care and the warmth they extended to their colleagues is a lasting legacy. We are honoured and privileged to have known and worked with both youngsters. A plaque in Jan’s memory takes pride of place in our reception.

]]>Ferdy Murphy: A staunch supporter of the National Horseracing Collegehttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/ferdy-murphy-a-staunch-supporter-of-the-national-horseracing-college/
Wed, 04 Sep 2019 21:17:15 +0000https://www.thenhc.co.uk/?p=7533It is with great sadness that we learnt yesterday of the passing of Cheltenham-Festival winning trainer Ferdy Murphy aged 70. During his time training from Wynbury Stables near Middleham, North Yorkshire Ferdy was a staunch supporter of the National Horseracing College and gave a huge number of our learners’ employment opportunities. He was patient in his approach and gave weaker ...

]]>It is with great sadness that we learnt yesterday of the passing of Cheltenham-Festival winning trainer Ferdy Murphy aged 70.

During his time training from Wynbury Stables near Middleham, North Yorkshire Ferdy was a staunch supporter of the National Horseracing College and gave a huge number of our learners’ employment opportunities. He was patient in his approach and gave weaker learners the time they required to develop. In turn, they rewarded him by becoming competent, loyal members of his stable staff team. He gave those who had aspirations of race-riding opportunities on the schooling ground and steered them in the right direction so they fulfilled their dreams. He immersed himself in the racing industry his entire life; what he didn’t know probably wasn’t worth knowing. He always had a story to tell and you’d find yourself repeating to others, for it was such a great story. He was a man of his word and a man who, together with Harvey Smith, fought hard for equality when it came to all matters relating to National Hunt racing in the north of the country. When he relinquished his trainer’s licence and left the UK for a new life in France in 2013 he was sorely missed by all at the College. All our thoughts at this time are with his family.

]]>Welcome to the National Horseracing Collegehttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/welcome-to-the-national-horseracing-college/
Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:05:04 +0000https://www.thenhc.co.uk/?p=6721We’re delighted to announce that as of today, 1st August, the Northern Racing College will now be known as the National Horseracing College. Our Doncaster-based centre of excellence for training in the horseracing industry has renamed to a title that better reflects the reality of our coverage in recruitment and placement. The decision has been made to coincide with our ...

We’re delighted to announce that as of today, 1st August, the Northern Racing College will now be known as the National Horseracing College.

Our Doncaster-based centre of excellence for training in the horseracing industry has renamed to a title that better reflects the reality of our coverage in recruitment and placement.

The decision has been made to coincide with our 35th anniversary.

Gerry Sutcliffe, chairman of the College trustees, explained: “The site at Rossington Hall, which opened as the South Yorkshire Apprentice Racing Training School on 1 July 1984, has operated under several names, most recently as the Northern Racing College since 1995.

“We believe that the time is now right to take another step forward by adopting a title that more accurately reflects our recruiting and delivery throughout Britain, as well as our standing in the horseracing industry and the quality of our offer to prospective learners.”

College chief executive Stephen Padgett added: “Initially the focus of the College’s recruiting and the employers with which it worked were relatively local. Over time the scope and scale of its work expanded nationally and its standing in British horseracing matured.

“However, the title of Northern Racing College has caused a certain amount of confusion and perpetuates some misperceptions about our role. The facts are that the College recruits and delivers top-class training to people of all ages from all parts of Britain.

“Our purpose is to provide training for the horseracing industry and our activities are not confined to the North of England. With that in mind, the board has taken the logical step in the College’s progression by adopting a title, the National Horseracing College, which better describes the reality of our objectives.”

The official change-over will take place on 1 August, Yorkshire Day, and will be completed on 11 September to coincide with the running of the Leger Legends Raceday at Doncaster, from which the College is one of the charity beneficiaries.

]]>The Hurdles Project – Please Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Targethttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/the-hurdles-project-please-help-us-reach-our-fundraising-target/
Fri, 19 Jul 2019 13:38:31 +0000http://northernracingcollege.com/?p=6472As a registered charity we rely heavily on fundraising. The cost to operate the Northern Racing College is a staggering £6,300 per day of which 21% comes from funds generated solely by the College. That is a whopping £262.00 per hour. With fundraising very much at the forefront of our mind we are trying something new and write to ask ...

As a registered charity we rely heavily on fundraising. The cost to operate the Northern Racing College is a staggering £6,300 per day of which 21% comes from funds generated solely by the College. That is a whopping £262.00 per hour.

With fundraising very much at the forefront of our mind we are trying something new and write to ask if you would be so kind as to assist our endeavours?

We are running a crowd funding campaign to help us raise £1,529.00 to purchase three flights of portable hurdles which will assist hugely in building the skills and confidence of the stable staff and jockeys attending our industry training courses. Ultimately your investment would enhance the level of training we deliver which in turn will allow us to produce an increased number of competent staff for the horseracing industry.

As you may already know the Northern Racing College is the starting point for anyone thinking of a career in horseracing. We offer a range of courses starting with Pony Racing Training which accepts applicants as young as nine, through to our 12-week, residential Foundation Course from age 16. For those already employed in the industry we offer Apprenticeships, Jockey Training and Licensing and bespoke, tailored programmes for staff at varying stages of their careers. We have a long list of graduates who have excelled, and continue to excel, as jockeys, stable staff, head grooms and trainers, plus many more who have achieved great things for the sport.

97% of our graduates gain employment in racing stables after completing the Foundation Course; many continue to further their career with additional courses which are often delivered in the workplace. Almost 50% of the young people aged 16-18 attending the Foundation Course are from deprived backgrounds with very few life opportunities available to them. We change lives and give them the motivation, training and access to employment in a rewarding and thriving industry.

A monetary gesture of any amount from a number of businesses will assist us in reaching our goal of £1,529.00. If we are successful in raising the required amount Watt Fences have generously pledged to donate a fourth flight free of charge.

In return for a small contribution your business will be acknowledged throughout our social media campaign and you will of course be most welcome to call in anytime you are passing our door to see your investment being put to good use. We will be wholeheartedly grateful for your support.

]]>A great start for India with the team at Ian Williams Racinghttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/graduate-india-loving-her-time-with-the-team-at-ian-williams-racing/
Tue, 16 Jul 2019 09:52:59 +0000http://northernracingcollege.com/?p=6416During our recent visit to trainer Ian Williams racing yard we caught up with India, 19, who graduated from the 12-week Foundation Course in 2016. Upon completion of her initial training India was secured a work placement at the all-conquering Cotswold stables of Jonjo O’Neill. She has worked for Mr Williams since October 2018. “Leading up a winner gives you ...

]]>India Abbott is now enjoying working with the team at Ian Williams Racing

During our recent visit to trainer Ian Williams racing yard we caught up with India, 19, who graduated from the 12-week Foundation Course in 2016. Upon completion of her initial training India was secured a work placement at the all-conquering Cotswold stables of Jonjo O’Neill. She has worked for Mr Williams since October 2018.

“Leading up a winner gives you a massive adrenaline rush!”

Watch the full video via Facebook. In this interview India shares with us what her daily routine entails and what working in racing means to her.

]]>Bailey On The Right Track To A Successful Horseracing Careerhttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/bailey-on-the-right-track-to-a-successful-horseracing-career/
Fri, 12 Jul 2019 09:27:34 +0000http://northernracingcollege.com/?p=6349The name Bailey Burns-Lewis appeared in a racecard for the first time last Friday next to the Jedd O’Keeffe Racing trained Rebel State (IRE). Finishing third on his racecourse debut in the Racing Welfare Betfair Clock Tower Cup Bailey has his sights firmly set on riding as an Amateur Jockey at some point in the future Bailey was influenced from a young age by ...

]]>Bailey Burns-Lewis after his 4th place in the 2019 Clock Tower Cup at Doncaster Racecourse

The name Bailey Burns-Lewis appeared in a racecard for the first time last Friday next to the Jedd O’Keeffe Racing trained Rebel State (IRE). Finishing third on his racecourse debut in the Racing Welfare Betfair Clock Tower Cup Bailey has his sights firmly set on riding as an Amateur Jockey at some point in the future

]]>How Former Jockey George Chaloner Is Back On Track After Horror Fallhttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/how-former-jockey-george-chaloner-is-back-on-track-after-his-horror-fall/
Fri, 12 Jul 2019 09:00:14 +0000http://northernracingcollege.com/?p=6344The name George Chaloner first came to our attention 15 years ago when he was 12 years old and riding in Pony Races. Fast forward four years and upon completion of full-time education, George enrolled onto the 12-week residential Foundation Course and was secured a work placement at the North Yorkshire stables of the late Malcolm Jefferson. Mr Jefferson nurtured ...

The name George Chaloner first came to our attention 15 years ago when he was 12 years old and riding in Pony Races. Fast forward four years and upon completion of full-time education, George enrolled onto the 12-week residential Foundation Course and was secured a work placement at the North Yorkshire stables of the late Malcolm Jefferson. Mr Jefferson nurtured his early career and, when the time was right, encouraged him to attend a trial at the all-conquering stables of Richard Fahey Racing where George successfully gained an Apprentice Jockey licence.

George recalls his riding days with much fondness. Having ridden 237 winners including a 2014 Royal Ascot winner in the Wokingham followed just eight days later when he won the Northumberland Plate, he was riding at the top of his game when a serious fall halted his riding career.

After spending a year working as a Trainee Clerk of the Course, George has gone full circle and is once again working hands-on in a racing yard. The future looks exciting with a training career a real possibility.

]]>“I can’t see myself doing any other job!” Iona on being part of the Dan Skelton Teamhttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/i-cant-see-myself-doing-any-other-job-iona-on-being-part-of-the-dan-skelton-team/
Wed, 10 Jul 2019 09:28:21 +0000http://northernracingcollege.com/?p=6304How exciting can it be standing in an empty stable yard? Very exciting as it happens especially if the stable you’re stood next to is none other than Grade 1 winning hurdler Roksana’s stable. “I can’t see myself doing any other job!” In this video we hear from Iona, 22, who attended the College in 2014 and who has subsequently ...

How exciting can it be standing in an empty stable yard? Very exciting as it happens especially if the stable you’re stood next to is none other than Grade 1 winning hurdler Roksana’s stable.

“I can’t see myself doing any other job!”

In this video we hear from Iona, 22, who attended the College in 2014 and who has subsequently completed her Level 2 Apprenticeship and Level 3 Apprenticeship. Iona fondly recalls how she felt when ‘her’ horse, won the Grade 1 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival.

Roksana was enjoying her summer break when we visited the Warwickshire stables of Dan Skelton a couple of weeks ago.

“We were walking into the winners enclosure and everyone starting cheering and chanting Roksana”

Iona’s experience leading up a Grade 1 winner at the Cheltenham Festival

]]>Calum’s Hard Work Pays Off To Take ‘Student of the Week’ Awardhttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/calums-hard-work-pays-off-to-take-student-of-the-week-award/
Tue, 09 Jul 2019 14:55:56 +0000http://northernracingcollege.com/?p=6285We’re delighted to announce that this week’s ‘Student of the Week’ award goes to Calum Ferguson. Calum joined the college nearly 9 weeks ago and since then, has shown a fantastic work ethic and has shown huge amounts of determination to succeed. When Calum joined us, he had very little to no riding experience so he has come on leaps ...

We’re delighted to announce that this week’s ‘Student of the Week’ award goes to Calum Ferguson.

Calum joined the college nearly 9 weeks ago and since then, has shown a fantastic work ethic and has shown huge amounts of determination to succeed. When Calum joined us, he had very little to no riding experience so he has come on leaps and bounds in only a few months.

Calum is now riding between 2-3 lots on the gallops each day, with his strength and confidence building each day.

]]>Graduate Megan Joins The Dan Skelton Racing Teamhttps://www.thenhc.co.uk/graduate-megan-joins-the-dan-skelton-racing-team/
Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:48:15 +0000http://northernracingcollege.com/?p=6282The transformation we see in students both during their 12-week Foundation Course and afterwards when they’ve started working in racing can be phenomenal and Megan is no exception. We visited Megan at Dan Skelton’s 200-horse racing yard a couple of weeks ago and it was a real delight to see her working and interacting with her colleagues so confidently. Megan ...

]]> The transformation we see in students both during their 12-week Foundation Course and afterwards when they’ve started working in racing can be phenomenal and Megan is no exception.

We visited Megan at Dan Skelton’s 200-horse racing yard a couple of weeks ago and it was a real delight to see her working and interacting with her colleagues so confidently.

Megan was just a few days off her 17th birthday when we visited and was very much looking forward to starting driving lessons. Her yard is in a beautiful but very rural part of Warwickshire so being able to drive will give her her own independence.

The facilities at this yard for staff are outstanding. As well as having en-suite rooms on site the staff also have all their meals prepared for them and have access to a steam room, a fully equipped gym and an Equicisor. The walls are adorned with photographs of winners, lots of winners.